Kindness Matters

We love this family!  Larry and I have had the privilege of being the Home and Visiting Teachers to Cary and Shelley over the years.  The Mark family is a wonderful family.  They are a close family and so very kind and loving.  Today was Cary's mom's 85th birthday and it was also her funeral.  Betty (Cary's mom) had just moved in with Cary and Shelley in April.  She wasn't happy at the nursing home and so they invited her to live with them.  Betty passed away Friday.  Instead of celebrating her birthday here she celebrated in Heaven with so many of her loved ones.  When Betty passed we were called.  The Mark's know they can call us and that we will be there for them.  We are so glad that they call us to help.  They asked Larry to conduct the funeral service that was being held at the mortuary.  He was honored to do that for them.  Our wonderful ward provided them with a yummy meal after.  Cary didn't want to accept that gift since they don't attend church.  Larry told him that didn't matter.  They are in our ward and our ward takes care of each other.  I went to the funeral to support them as well.  It was fun learning more about Betty and the good job she did raising her little family.  Cary mentioned in his talk that their family was complete again....his parents were together after being apart for many years.  (Cary's dad dies when he was young)  It was a nice service.  I want to say that Dakota made my day when he came up and gave over to me and put his arm around me and gave me a hug.  We love the Marks and they love us back!

I had just got home and changed when Larry called and told me that while we were at the funeral Braxton scared everyone at work.  Something isn't right with Braxton. He gets light headed and weak and looses his energy....he has panic attacks.  Justin and Scott gave him a blessing and then they both left work and took Braxton to Justin's house since Natalie would be home most of the day.  (that might not have been so bad but no one called Kelsi to let her know this was happening...I think they didn't want to worry her but she should have been told)  We make mistakes as we go through life and we learn from them. (darn it) After talking with Larry I had thoughts of losing Braxton...you know that what if...kind of thoughts.  I hope that doesn't happen.  I thought about how hard it would be to lose a son but how much worse it would be for Kelsi and Sadie.  As much as Braxton is mine and always will be, we turned him over to Kelsi and he is hers now.  It was a weird thought and I pray we don't experience it.  I thought about what a good kid Braxton has always been.  Oh he's been mischievous and drove me nuts but as far as anything that matter eternally he has been good.  No word of wisdom or moral problems.  Braxton is pure and sensitive and strong when it come to spiritual gifts.  My heart hurt a little today.

I am so thankful for the kindness offered to Braxton.  I am so glad that Scott and Justin could give Braxton a blessing.  I am so thankful that Natalie was okay with having him dropped off so he wouldn't be alone.  I am so thankful for Kelsi that has to go through this trial with Braxton.  I am so thankful for her patience and love towards Braxton.  I'm sure it must be frustrating for them both not understanding or knowing why this happens.  My heart breaks a little when I see my son tearing up because he doesn't like being this way.  He doesn't like others worrying about him and would rather be on the other side of things.  It's his test and I guess those close to him are here to help him through it.  In a way his test teaches us as well.  There are many lessons we can all learn as we experience our tests in this life.  I wonder if we could choose our tests if we would choose the ones we get?  I know we wouldn't choose anything harder but I wonder if we would really choose anything easier...especially if we knew the lessons being learned.